What does patchy precipitation indicate regarding coverage?

Patchy precipitation indicates that rain or other forms of precipitation are occurring in a localized manner rather than uniformly throughout an area. When described as "patchy," it suggests that the coverage is not extensive and is often interspersed with dry areas or lighter precipitation zones. This aligns well with rainfall occurring in 25% to 50% of the area being observed.

In other terms, when weather reports mention patchy precipitation, it conveys that while some parts of the region may experience precipitation, many other parts may remain dry, making it unlikely for precipitation to be widespread. It's an indication of a somewhat limited area of influence rather than a comprehensive coverage, which is why this classification is significant in assessing weather patterns and potential impact on flight operations.